Q&A with Mayor Fare

This week marks the completion of Mayor Ed Fare’s first year in office leading the village of Valley Stream. The Herald asked him questions about his thoughts on the job, the issues facing the community and his plans for the next three years.

Herald: How have you enjoyed your first year as mayor?

Mayor Fare: It’s great! I’m still thankful for the opportunity to serve the residents of the village that I love.

Fare: There are three that stand out. First, looking for non-tax revenue to help offset expenses in this tough economy. For example, fuel agreements, commercial parking, non-resident fees and E-cycling. And we are always open to new suggestions.

Second, I think that my administration has made improvements in communication, such as through the website, Everbridge one-call system, electronic sign and Village Green newsletter.

Finally, attention to the downtown revitalization; specifically revamping the zoning code to make Valley Stream more friendly toward businesses.

Herald: What is the most challenging part of the job?

Fare: Making sure that no stone is unturned. We must consider all factors for each and every project, no matter how large or small. This can be daunting at times.

Herald: Looking back, what would you have done differently?

Fare: Our ideas need to be communicated to everyone. People need to become educated on particular projects, and it’s my responsibility to get the word out, and to make the best decisions based upon all of the information available.

Herald: Is the job what you expected it to be?

Fare: Exactly! I’m happy to be leading the village and making the best choices for everyone involved. I have been planning and training for these possibilities for many years.

Herald: What about the job didn’t you expect?

Fare: That’s the hardest question to answer. I have been preparing for this job for a long time. I expect criticism, I expect people to be upset under certain circumstances, I expect to have very busy days, as well as good days and bad days.

I guess what I didn’t anticipate to the fullest extent was non-constructive criticism — complaints without suggestions to improve. But I understand that people get frustrated and many times, they just need a sounding board, someone to listen to their complaints and show that they are being heard. Sometimes, when a situation is explained to a resident and they realize that we are truly here to help, that is all that was needed to satisfy that person. I like the opportunity to communicate our efforts to our residents, even when we can’t always do things the way they might like things done, or resolve their particular issue. I do want people to know that we are always trying to help, whatever the case may be.

Herald: Is it difficult being able to balance all the obligations of being mayor with your regular job and family?

Fare: I am very lucky. My wife and children have been fantastic about helping and supporting me in my career as an elected official.

I have always been overactive — two or three jobs at the same time (summer school, driver’s education, defensive driving school, Jones Beach, New York Mets) so I have basically stopped all of my second jobs, in favor of being the mayor. Now I can maintain my teaching career during the day, and concentrate on being the mayor after hours. I try to include my wife and family in every mayoral function that I possibly can.

Far and away, the best way to manage the village obligations is to have the best possible people in all of our day-to-day village operations — people who share the United Community Party’s vision for the future of Valley Stream, staff members who will help to implement the plans and legislation that the board enacts. This is what the people who elected and supported myself and my team were hoping and looking for.

Herald: What can village residents look forward to in the next year?

Fare: Wow. A village government that continues to listen to the folks — improved services, addressing day-to-day quality of life issues; modernizing our physical plant, infrastructure, village work force, parks and buildings. A new zoning code, a new presence on Rockaway Avenue. You want me to keep going?

I also have some innovative ideas for the library and the courtroom in Village Hall, possibly an expanded cultural arts program…the list is long and ambitious!

Herald: What has the village done to address the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood map issue?

Fare: Funny that you should ask that. Log onto www.vsvny.org and add your name in support of our letter to federal officials regarding our position on FEMA. We are keeping the pressure on our federal representatives to enact the legislation that will give our residents relief, and we are not about to let up.

Herald: When do you expect the village to take possession of the building on Rockaway Avenue to serve as a Village Hall annex?

Fare: It should be soon, and it’s not a Village Hall annex, it’s a law enforcement annex for court operations, Code Enforcement, Public Safety, Auxiliary Police and the Civilian Patrol.

Herald: Do you think that Valley Stream is headed in the right direction?

Fare: Yes! It’s a tough economy, but people still want services and programs, perhaps now more than ever. Our job as the elected Board of Trustees is to offer the most services that the people want or ask for, and to stay within the budget.

Fare: I always have a sense of urgency. I wish others shared in that passion. I am not impatient, but I want to continue to push forward, and we know change can be difficult. It is fine and expected for our residents to have complaints and problems. They should know that myself, Trustees Tufarelli, Thomas, Grasso and Clavin-Higgns as well as Judge Bogle, will do everything in our power to help to find solutions. I urge our residents to offer ideas, suggestions, consider other residents’ points of view and find ways that we can all work together to find solutions. Share in your community. Take ownership in our projects.